Universal credit card apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

The apparatus and method described herein provides for creating multiple spatial patterns, such as magnetic patterns on credit cards. The invention includes storage of information from which patterns may be created, a pattern creation device for creating the spatial patterns, and control whereby the information which is stored is selectively utilized to cause the pattern creation. This allows multiple desired patterns to be simulated, allowing convenient replacement of a number of separate pattern carrying devices.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/372,254,filed on Mar. 8, 2006 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,334,732 which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 10/857,031, filed on May 28, 2004now U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,094, which is a continuation of application Ser.No. 09/929,975, filed on Aug. 15, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,764,005,which is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 09/109,312filed Jun. 30, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,890, which itself is adivisional application of Ser. No. 08/802,672 filed Feb. 19, 1997, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,834,747, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No.08/334,474 filed Nov. 4, 1994 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the use of devices having information orpatterns carried in or on some storage media, examples of which includephotographic patterns, keys or the magnetic strip on credit cards. Theinvention provides for an apparatus and method allowing more than onepattern or set of information to be used with a given type of medium tofacilitate use by the holder thereof with a pattern reading device andto reduce the numbers of separate information or pattern media carryingdevices which must be used. Other uses and purposes for the presentinvention will also become known to one skilled in the art from theteachings herein.

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention includes the storage and use of informationor patterns on or in operator usable medium, examples including creditcards, keys, holograms, photographs and the like, by use of variousmagnetic, electronic, optical and mechanical devices. Such informationor patterns may be known, unknown, ordered or random, coherent orincoherent, there being no restriction on the types or nature ofinformation or patterns with which the invention may be used. Theoperators may be human, animal or otherwise, and may involve differentoperators of different persons or types at various times.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is well known to store particular information or patterns such asaccount numbers, bar codes, security codes, etc. on magnetic and opticalstorage medium embedded in small, sturdy and relatively inexpensivecarriers such as credit cards. FIG. 1 shows for example a prior artcredit card diagram having a strip of magnetic material 2 which isembedded in a plastic substrate 1 which magnetic strip carries a patternof magnetization which is a magnetic representation of information orpatterns relating to the credit card. FIG. 1 is shown in graphical formwith the top and front edge view of the magnetic strip with arepresentation of the magnetic flux pattern recorded therein.

OBJECTS AND DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein provides for a method and apparatuswhereby a plurality of sets of patterns or information may be stored andutilized by a user. The invention allows access to numerous accounts,services, features, etc. with just one storage device, therebyeliminating the need to carry, store, remember or retain numerous datastorage devices, data sets or patterns. Examples of applications for thepresent invention include the magnetic pattern information of aplurality of credit cards which may be stored in a single convenientcard which a user may carry in order to replace a plurality ofindividual credit cards, programmable optical patterns such as bar codesor photographic patterns utilized for security applications andprogrammable key patterns which may be changed to accommodate differentlocks of mechanical, optical or electronic type.

The invention is useful with any sort of storage medium related topluralities of sets of information, data or patterns which are desiredto be used by a user. For example the invention may be used withmechanical, magnetic, electrical, optical, film, holographic or otherrecording or storage of information or patterns as will become apparentto one skilled in the art from the teachings given herein. The inventionthus provides simulation of multiple sets of data, information orpatterns stored in a spatial pattern by providing a memory or storagedevice for storing data from which the spatial patterns may bereconstructed. Also included is a programmable spatial device capable ofreconstructing the spatial patterns under control of a circuitresponsive to an external inputs which cause the programmable spatialdevice to be programmed to reconstruct the spatial patterns from thedata stored in the memory. The spatial patterns may take on multipledimensions and may be time varying and the memory may be electronic,mechanical, optical or other type as will be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art from the teachings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing demonstrating a prior art credit card with amagnetic stripe.

FIG. 2 is a drawing demonstrating the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a drawing explaining the operation of the preferred embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing details of the programmable magnetic stripof the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a cross sectional view corresponding to FIG.4.

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the invention as used with a key.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing another mechanical configuration of thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a drawing demonstrating a prior art credit card in diagramform, having a strip of magnetic material 2 which is embedded in aplastic substrate 1 which magnetic strip carries a pattern ofmagnetization which is a magnetic representation of information orpatterns relating to the credit card. FIG. 1 shown in graphical form thetop and front edge view of the magnetic strip with a representation ofthe magnetic flux recorded therein.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, dubbed a multi-card by the inventor, having a plasticsubstrate 3, on which is suitably mounted a programmable magnetic strip4, an LCD display 5, a solar cell power source 6, including anelectricity storage cell (not shown), an infrared emitter 7, andinfrared sensor 8, and a key pad 9 consisting of 14 operator actuatedswitches. It will be appreciated that these switches may be capacitivetype touch sensitive sensors or other types. It will be understood thatthe programmable magnetic strip 4 may also be of a type which may sensemagnetic information or patterns, and thus may be used as an input oroutput device.

Programmable magnetic strip 4 is preferred to be operated toapproximate, duplicate or replicate a magnetic pattern matching theparticular need of the operator in response to the operator's commandsor inputs to the card as will be described in more detail below.

In operation, the multi-card has stored in it several sets of datacorresponding to account related information or patterns for differentcredit cards, identification cards and the like. Power for the operationof the device is provided by a solar cell, which power is stored in astorage battery. The battery is preferred to be replaceable with acharged battery for those applications where the solar cell does notreceive enough light to operate the multi-card, however it is preferredthat devices which make use of the multi-card provide sufficientillumination to the solar cell to power the device.

To operate the multi-card, the operator simply presses a given key,which may be a touch sensitive pad, which causes multi-card to activateand the display 5 to display which account is associated with that key.If the operator forgets which key is associated with a wanted account,he may simply operate all keys in sequence until the correct account isselected. It will be understood that it is also possible to provide onlyone key, with a different account called up for each press.

When each account is called, the magnetic data for that account isloaded into the magnetic strip 4, causing the magnetic strip to simulatethe magnetic strip on the prior art type card by emulating,approximating, replicating or duplicating the magnetic pattern,depending on the accuracy required by the device reading the pattern.The control of the accuracy provided may be provided by the operator, ormay be automatic in response to feedback (or lack thereof) by the deviceusing the card. In this fashion, the multi-card may then be placed intoa card reader or other device which reads the magnetic pattern from themagnetic strip to allow the holder access to the account, services orfeatures associated with the stored data or pattern.

It will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art from theteachings herein that the invention allows access to numerous accounts,services, features, etc. with just one card thereby eliminating the needto carry, store or retain numerous cards. Other features may be combinedwith the invention as well, or as the case may be the invention may becombined with other functions, examples including personal reminder andmemory capability, calculator and clock or even telephone and televisionfunctions.

Other sequences of operation of the invention may be utilized as well.For example, the key pad may be used to enter a convenient selectdesignator, for example a BC representing bank card or a PBC indicatingpersonal bank card, or any other convenient select designator. Theselect designator will then cause the account identifier to be displayedon 5 and the proper pattern loaded into 4. In addition, the loading ofpattern into 4 may be caused to occur only when another command isgenerated by the operator, or only upon or after insertion of the cardin a device which uses it. These operations are considered to be novelfeatures of the invention.

It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that elements3 and 5-9 are well known and commonly found and utilized in the industryand may be controlled by a microprocessor with their application and usein the preferred embodiment of the invention being within the capabilityof one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 7 shows an top and side views of an alternate mechanical embodimentsimilar to FIG. 2. The mechanical embodiment of FIG. 7 has the advantageof allowing a larger space for the electronics while maintaining a thincross section in the “card” area, thus allowing easier fabrication.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of the multi-card and a supporting console whichmay be used to store information or patterns in the multi-card orrecover information or patterns from the multi-card, or another card. Acontrol circuit 11, which is preferred to be a microprocessor such as anIntel 80C31 or which may have internal ROM, ram and nonvolatile ram asis known in the industry, is utilized to control and operate the variouselements of the multi-card.

As an example the Intel 80C31 series microcontroller is well suited tothe control task. When the 80C31 is coupled with a nonvolatile ram suchas the Xicor X2444 available from Xicor, Inc. 1511 Buckeye Drive,Milpitas, Calif., a keypad such as can be easily constructed with theITT Schadow KSA1M211 switch available from ITT Schadow Inc. 8081 WallaceRd., Eden Prairie, Minn., and an LCD display such as the OptrexDMC20261NY-LY-B, available from 44160 Plymouth Oaks Blvd., Plymouth,Mich., the invention components may be readily constructed. A 16 keypadmatrix in 4.times.4 form (not all 16 need be used) is preferablyconfigured on the 8 P1 port connections, the LCD is preferablyconfigured on the P0 data port under write control as addressed by theP2 data port and controlled by the /WR control. The input/outputinterface 14 is preferably provided via the TXD/RXD serial ports(alternate functions provided on the P3 port), and the nonvolatile ramis preferably configured directly to the /INT0, /INT1 and T0 pins of theP3 port. The program instructions to run the processor are preferablystored in an EPROM having data pins coupled to the P0 port and addressedby the P2 port under /RD read control as is commonly known in theindustry. Intel provides a wealth of information on configuring,programming and operating this and many other processors, whichinformation is available from Intel Corporation, 3065 Bowers Ave., SantaClara, Calif.

The programmable magnetic strip 10 is preferred to contain multipleinductive coils to generate magnetic fields in response to currentflowing therein, as will be described in more detail below. Theconnection of the processor of 11, be it an 80C31 or other type may bemade directly via matrixing of the two connections of the individualcoils in 10, for example as is commonly done to write (and read from)core type magnetic memory in the computer industry. Alternately, a largeserial shift register array may be loaded with serial binary data undercontrol of 11 with the array's output being enabled to a low impedancestate from a high impedance state after loading. The binary data maythus cause the many parallel outputs, each of which is coupled to acoil, to source electrons into the coil, or sink electrons from thecoil, providing that the other end of each coil is connected to avoltage source which is midway between the output's high and low logiclevel states. To achieve control over the current flow through thecoils, multiple serial shift registers may be utilized, with severaloutputs being coupled to each coil through resistors or other currentcontrolling circuits, the pattern of data in the several outputscontrolling the current flow.

Several variations of the suggested elements of the preferred embodimentmay be utilized as will be convenient to implement particularembodiments of the invention which may be configured to specific needsand applications, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart from the teachings herein.

The substrate 3 may be of any material on or to which the other elementsmay be suitably secured or attached, examples including the preferredPVC plastic, ceramic, metal and others. Display 5 which is used toprovide messages to the user of the device may be of any electro opticaltype such as LCD, LED, CRT, incandescent, fluorescent, flip dot, etc. ormay be of electro mechanical type such as beeper, buzzer, vibrator,etc., or may be eliminated in applications where it is not desired toconvey messages to the user, or where messages are conveyed via othermeans. Such other means for example include via the device which readsthe magnetic strip 4.

Power source 6 may be any well known power source, such as solar cell,battery, electric generator operating to convert motion to electricity,fuel cell, electromagnetic or electric field receiver, piezoelectricgenerator, etc. or any combination thereof.

Emitter 7 may be the preferred infrared LED, antenna, coil, transducer,or any other device capable of conveying information or patterns fromthe invention to outside devices, and receiver 8 is preferred to be aphoto transistor but may also be any such apparatus or device capable ofreceiving information or patterns from outside devices to be used by theinvention. Either or both of the emitter and receiver may be eliminatedif the capability provided is not desired, or is otherwise provided for.For example, the sensing capability of 10 or the input capability of 13may be utilized to provide the receiver 8 function and the display 12may be utilized to provide the emitter function.

Touch sensitive key pad 9 may be capacitive, heat sensing, optical ormechanical switches, etc. or any device capable of receiving andcoupling operator input to the invention. The operator interface 13 andits key pad 9 may also be eliminated if no operator interface isdesired.

The control circuit operates with the programmable magnetic strip 10,examples include those corresponding to 4 of FIG. 2, to create apredetermined magnetic pattern which may be read by compatible readingdevices, and may also operate in conjunction with 10 to sense magneticpatterns. Control circuit 11 also drives the LCD display 12, examplesincluding associated with 5 of FIG. 2, to display messages to theoperator and as signified by the dotted arrow on the control circuit 11may also operate interactively with 12. Control circuit 14 operatesinteractively with the input/output interface 14, examples includingthose associated with 7 and 8 of FIG. 2, to communicate with theconsole. Control circuit 11 also operates interactively with operatorinterface 13, examples including those corresponding to 9 of FIG. 2, toallow operator input to the control circuit. Also shown in FIG. 3 is apower source 15, examples including those associated with 6 of FIG. 2,and which provides power for the operation of the multi-card. In thepreferred embodiment, 15 includes a replaceable nickel cadmium batteryand solar cell allowing the battery to be replaced and/or recharged. Itis of course possible to use either replaceable or rechargeable powersources.

FIG. 3 includes a console comprised of programming circuitry 16 and cardreader 17. In operation, the card reader may be operated to readinformation or patterns from a particular data storage medium, examplesincluding the magnetic strip on a credit card. The information orpatterns may be read as the actual data represented in any of itsvarious forms, or may be read simply as the representation. With respectto reading a magnetic stripe, the reader may simply read the magneticpattern without concern as to the data represented thereby, or maydecode the magnetic pattern into the encoded (that is represented) data,or may decode the data to the unencoded (that is unprotected by securityscrambling and the like) data as is convenient. In the preferredembodiment, the magnetic pattern is simply sensed at a high resolutionby moving the magnetic strip over a magnetic sensor and generating abinary representation of the polarity of the magnetic field in responsethereto. The resulting binary pattern corresponds to the magneticpolarity field, in the preferred embodiment at 0.001 inch increments,giving a linear “snapshot” of the magnetic pattern.

The binary representation is then coupled to the programming circuitry16 (via 14) where an account identifier is associated therewith to laterbe displayed on the display 12 when the wanted corresponding magneticpattern is recalled from the memory in the control circuit 11. Whilecalled an account identifier, there is no need that the patterncorrespond in any way to an account, and may well correspond toanything. The account identifier may be thought up by the operator, maybe chosen by the operator from a list or other source, or may beassigned without operator intervention, for example preprogrammed in thecard which is read or in the control circuit 11. The input of theaccount identifier may be via 13 or 16 as is desired. It is howeverpreferred that the operator may have some choice in the matter in orderthat an account identifier which is either convenient to or associatedby the operator is used, and thus it is preferred that 16 contain akeyboard with which the operator may type in his desired identifier, andthe desired key, key sequence or location associated therewith.

It is also preferred to associate a select designator with the binaryrepresentation, in order to allow the operator to utilize the selectdesignator to call up a particular magnetic pattern. The selectdesignator may be thought up by the operator, may be chosen by theoperator from a list or other source, or may be assigned withoutoperator intervention, for example preprogrammed in the card which isread or preprogrammed in the control circuit 11 at the time ofmanufacture or other time.

In operation, it is preferred that there be more than one method for theoperator to call up a wanted pattern. One preferred way is for theoperator to enter the select designator. This causes the accountidentifier to be displayed in 12. Alternatively, the operator may scrollthrough all the possible sets of data, viewing each account identifieras it appears until the desired one is called up, or may key in a moredetailed pattern, to call up the desired account.

The magnetic pattern (or data represented thereby in some form) is thencaused to be stored in the memory of 11 in a form which allows it to beassociated with the identifier, and preferably also with some knowninput terminal or sequence of terminals of 9. In the preferredembodiment, the operator chooses an available key of 9 (for example theupper right) or other select designator, provides an account identifier,(for example BANK CARD) and the operator choices and data are stored in11 in a fashion which associates them all. It is preferred that the databe stored in nonvolatile memory in order that it will be retained in theevent that the power storage device of 15 is fully discharged or thecontrol circuit is turned off, for example to save power.

It is preferred that by utilizing the foregoing programming procedure,the operator stores the magnetic pattern, account identifier and desiredassociated select designator in 11. Upon subsequent entry of theassociated select designator, the control circuit 11 recalls theassociated data corresponding to the magnetic pattern and the accountidentifier from memory. The account identifier is loaded in the display12 to remind the operator what the data is associated with, and themagnetic pattern is caused to be replicated in 10 from the stored data.The replicated magnetic pattern in 10 may then be utilized to operate acard reading device to provide the operator access to the account,services, features or other conveniences associated therewith, and henceassociated with the card which was read by 17.

It is of course desired to provide the capability of storing severalsuch sets of associated data, identifier and key in the memory of 11,and it is further desirable to provide for the association of multipleselect identifiers with a given set of data. By way of example, in thisfashion, a set of data for generating a magnetic pattern for a companyissued bank card may be called up by use of any of the selectidentifiers cc, or COCARD or COMPANY CARD, etc. and another set of datafor a personal bank card may be called up by use of any of the selectidentifiers PC, PBC, etc.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of the details of the magnetic strip 10 andcontrol circuit 11, including individual electromagnet coils, one ofwhich is shown as 21 and having electric circuit connections 22 and 23,and magnetic flux conducting material 20. It will be recognized that bypassing an electric current through a given coil that a magnetic fluxwill be created across the associated gap in the magnetic fluxconducting material 20 above the coil, such as is represented by 24.Furthermore, the flux for each coil will be largely contained in the gapcorresponding to that coil by the magnetic flux conducting material. Thepolarity of the flux may of course be changed by changing the directionof current flow through the coil, and the intensity of the magnetic fluxmay be varied by varying the electric current through the coil. In thisfashion, the original magnetic pattern which was read by reader 17 maybe approximated, duplicated or replicated as required. While it may bedesirable to cause the control circuit 11 to have the ability to varythe accuracy with which it stores the magnetic data or programs themagnetic strip, it will be recognized that this is not a requirement,and 11 may simply operate to a single given accuracy. It may also benoted that the material used for 20 may be of a type having a largemagnetic memory or hysteresis so that once a magnetic pattern isgenerated in the material, the electric current through the coils may beturned off or reduced and the magnetic field will remain. Techniqueswhich are used to write and read magnetic core type memory, as well asthe materials used therefore, will be applicable to the generation ofmagnetic patterns for 10, and the technology used in the core industrymay be easily adapted to be used in fabricating 10. It will also berecognized that other methods of creating magnetic patterns may beutilized as well, such as various chemical, thermal and optical methodswhich may be utilized to create magnetic flux patterns, or to alterexisting flux patterns.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional diagram A-A of elements 20-23 of FIG. 4 and thepreferred method of construction thereof. This method of construction isreadily implemented with either photographic lithography and laminationtechniques or with chemical vapor etching and deposition as are commonlyutilized to fabricate miniature electronic circuits. Other constructionmethods may be utilized as well.

Element 18 is a substrate material, examples including plastic orceramic, on which the magnetic coils 21 may be built. a conductive layer19 is formed on the substrate in a predetermined pattern to make up thebottom half of the coils 21. This layer may be created by depositing orprinting a continuous metallic film and then etching away all but thedesired conductive paths, or by photographically printing the conductivepaths. Next, the magnetic material 20 is formed on top of the bottomconductive paths. Preferable the magnetic material is an electricallynon-conductive or low conductive material, but if it is conductive, aninsulating layer may first be deposited to prevent it from shorting outthe top and bottom conductive paths. After the magnetic material isformed the top electrically conductive layer is formed thereover usingthe same process as for the bottom, thus completing the coils 21.Finally, conductive wires or circuits 22 and 23 are bonded to the coilsfor connection to 11, and the entire magnetic strip is provided with anenvironmentally insulating covering if desired to shield from moisture,corrosion, etc. By utilization of this method, it will be seen that verylow manufacturing cost and small size may be obtained. It will also beunderstood that the linear array of coils is given by way of examplewith respect to the preferred embodiment and may be arranged in otherthan a linear fashion, for example in circular or three dimensionalpatterns. It will also be understood that the magnetic coils may bereplaced with LEDs to create emitted light patterns, or by LCD elementsto create reflected or transmitted light patterns, or by any other typeof energy radiator, absorber or deflector in order that the inventionmay be practiced with virtually any sort of emitted, absorbed ordeflected pattern.

It will be recognized that while the coils may be utilized to generate amagnetic pattern, they may also be utilized to sense a magnetic pattern.While some motion is required to generate an electric current in thecoils, this motion may be supplied by the user. In addition, magnetorestrictive materials may also be adopted to allow sensing of magneticpatterns without motion. One of ordinary skill in the art will be ableto construct such a device and practice the invention from the teachingsof the preferred embodiment given herein without undue experimentationor further invention. It will also be recognized that it will bepossible to have magnetic strip 10 sense the magnetic pattern on anothermagnetic strip directly, removing the need for card reader 17. It wouldalso be possible to incorporate the programming circuitry 16 in thecontrol circuit 11, thus completely eliminating the need for the consoleof FIG. 3. Once the console is eliminated, the input/output interface 14may also be eliminated.

One skilled in the art will also recognize that an inexpensive versionof the invention may be constructed of simply a programmable magneticstrip 10 which can both read and simulate a magnetic pattern, a controlcircuit 11, an elementary operator interface 13 and a power source 15.

Alternatively, instead of a magnetic strip 10 capable of reading,several preprogrammed magnetic patterns may be programmed in controlcircuit 11 upon manufacture, either by storage of the magnetic patterns,storage of data which may create the magnetic patterns or storage of analgorithm or method by which the magnetic pattern may be created in 10under control of 11. In such a system, only elements 11 and 10 areabsolutely required since it would be possible for 11 receive commandsfrom the reading device via 10, or to simply try all stored patterns in10 upon excitation or connection of the power source 15.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been given by way ofexample with respect to credit cards having magnetic strips, it will berecognized that the invention may very well be adapted for use withother methods of storage and storage medium. Examples include,simulating two or more dimension patterns. Optical devices which recorddata on film in two or more dimensions may be replaced by liquid crystalor other optical displays which simulate the patterns recorded on thefilm. Holographic recordings may also be simulated by LCD or otheroptical displays. Mechanical devices may be replaced byelectromechanical devices in which mechanical dimensions are adjustedvia solenoids, motors, piezoelectric cells or the like. Keys are anexcellent example of a device which may be replaced by a battery of suchadjustable devices.

In FIG. 6 for example, the device of FIG. 3 may be utilized inconjunction with micro machines in order to create an adjustable key inwhich the operator selects an identifier corresponding to the particularlock which he wishes to unlock. The device uses electromagneticallydriven micromotors and worm screws to adjust the serrated edge on thekey to fit the lock. A sectional view of the device is shown in which astandard key blank 25 is machined to couple to a bank of micro motors orsolenoids 26, each of which is connected via a worm screw to a flexibleshaft or wire which extends to the serrated edge of the key.

By way of example, micromotor 27 is coupled to flexible shaft 28 whichpasses through a hollow portion of the key blank 25 to the serrated edgewhere it protrudes through the blank at 29. Individual channels may bemicromachined for the flexible shafts, or the shafts may simply be sizedto fill the slot in the key blank, or bundled together to preventlateral displacement which would affect the protrusion distance from theedge of the key blank at 29. The micromotor 27, via the screw, adjuststhe position of the end of 28 to thereby control the length ofprotrusion of the other end at 29, thus adjusting the depth of theserration at that point. All of the micromotors in the bank 26 arecoupled to the control circuit 11 of FIG. 3 by a suitable coupling. Inthis fashion, the key may be adjusted to fit different locks as desiredby the operator. In this example, card reader 17 may be replaced with akey reader in order that the serration pattern of precut keys may beread into 11 and stored, along with account identifiers, selectdesignators, etc. as previously described.

In view of continuing development of micro machines on silicon wafers byuse of semiconductor fabrication techniques, it is envisioned that itwill be possible to manufacture both electro mechanical components suchas solenoids and the corresponding electrical control circuitry all onthe same semiconductor substrate. In this fashion, it would be possibleto manufacture the invention of FIG. 6, including the necessary controlcircuitry of FIG. 3 entirely with existing semiconductor fabricationtechnology.

It would also be convenient to replace the electronic storage ofdifferent patterns with a mechanical or other storage of patterns, forexample with respect to the key of FIG. 6 on a rotating cam shaft, shownas 27 of the inset, which would be rotated to adjust the height ofspring loaded pins on the key, the springs holding the pins against thecams. While the configuration of the inset would require a fairly widekey, the camshaft could also be located entirely within the handle ofthe key and be coupled to the spring loaded pins via flexible shafts orwires 28 as with the micromotor actuator 26. The account identifiers orselect identifiers can be engraved directly on the end of the shaft. Itwill be understood that the flexible shafts may be arranged in otherthan a linear fashion, for example in circular or three dimensionalpatterns.

The invention described herein by way of explanation of the preferredembodiment may be practiced with numerous changes in the arrangement,structure and combination of the individual elements, as well as withsubstitution of equivalent functions and circuits for the elements inorder to optimize the invention for a particular application, allwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention ashereinafter claimed.

1. A universal credit card apparatus for providing and receiving accessto a plurality of accounts including a plurality of account services andaccount information to and from a host system, comprising: a carrierconfigured to support the components of the apparatus; at least onememory device, chosen from the group consisting of volatile memory andnonvolatile memory, carried by the carrier, for storing account dataincluding account identifying information for more then one account; anemitter device, chosen from the group consisting of infrared LEDs,coils, antenna and transducers, carried by the carrier, userprogrammable responsive to a user command with account identifyinginformation for transmitting the account identifying information to thehost system; a receiver device, chosen from the group consisting ofphototransistors and antenna, carried by the carrier, for receivingaccount data including account information from the host system; adisplay device, carried by the carrier, for selectively displayingaccount information; a control circuit, carried by the carrier, coupledto the memory, to the display device and to the receiver device andwhich is operable to store account data including account informationreceived by the receiver device from the host system into the memory andto cause the account information stored in the memory to appear on thedisplay device; and a power source, carried by the carrier, and coupledto at least one of the memory, the receiver device, the display deviceand the control circuit; wherein the emitter device is configured toprovide programmable optical patterns to identify a user selectedaccount to the host system.
 2. A universal credit card apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the emitter device is configured to provideprogrammable optical patterns chosen from the group consisting ofoptical, film, and holographic patterns to identify a user selectedaccount to the host system.
 3. A universal credit card apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the emitter device is configured to provideprogrammable magnetic patterns to identify a user selected account tothe host system.
 4. A universal credit card apparatus for providing andreceiving account data including account information to and from a hostsystem comprising: a carrier configured to support the components of theapparatus; at least one memory device, chosen from the group consistingof volatile memory and nonvolatile memory, carried by the carrier, forstoring account data including account information for at least oneaccount; an emitter device, carried by the carrier, programmed withaccount identifier information for transmitting account identifyinginformation to the host system; a receiver device, carried by thecarrier, for receiving account data including account information fromthe host system; a display device, carried by the carrier, forselectively displaying account information; a control circuit, carriedby the carrier, coupled to the memory, to the display device and to thereceiver device and which is operable to store account data includingaccount information received by the receiver device from the host systeminto the memory and to cause the account information stored in thememory to appear on the display device; a power source, carried by thecarrier, and coupled to at least one of the memory, the receiver device,the display device and the control circuit. wherein the emitter deviceis configured to identify an account to the host system, wherein thereceiver device is configured to receive the particular account dataincluding account information from the host system, wherein the controlcircuit is configured to cause the particular account data includingaccount information to be stored in the memory and to cause the accountinformation, consisting of all or a portion of the account data, to bewritten to the magnetic strip and create a magnetic pattern thereincorresponding to the account data, and to appear on the display device.5. A universal credit card apparatus for providing and receiving accountdata including account information to and from a host system comprising:a carrier having a planar surface the carrier supporting the componentsof the apparatus; at least one memory device, chosen from the groupconsisting of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory, carried by thecarrier, for storing account data including account information for atleast one account; an emitter device, carried by the carrier, programmedwith account identifier information for transmitting account identifyinginformation to the host system; a receiver device, carried by thecarrier, for receiving account data including account information fromthe host system; a display device, carried by the carrier, forselectively displaying account information; a control circuit, carriedby the carrier, coupled to the memory, to the display device and to thereceiver device and which is operable to store account data includingaccount information received by the receiver device from the host systeminto the memory and to cause the account information stored in thememory to appear on the display device; a power source, carried by thecarrier, and coupled to at least one of the memory, the receiver device,the display device and the control circuit; an storage unit configuredto store account information; wherein the emitter device is configuredto identify an account to the host system, wherein the receiver deviceis configured to receive the particular account data including accountinformation from the host system, wherein the control circuit isconfigured to cause the particular account data including accountinformation to be stored in the memory and to cause the accountinformation, consisting of all or a portion of the account data, to bewritten to the storage unit in a manner that corresponds to the accountdata, and to appear on the display device; an operator interface device,carried by the carrier, connected to the control device, operable by auser to select an account location in the memory in which account dataincluding account information received from the host system is to bestored; wherein, the user of the universal credit card apparatus canselect which, of the multiple accounts stored on the card, is to be thesubject of the particular use and, as such, is to receive account dataincluding account information from the host to be stored in memory andwhich account information is displayed on the display device and writtento the storage unit.
 6. A universal credit card apparatus as in claim 5further comprising at least one account identifier associated with andstored in the memory with reference to each account stored in the memoryfor allowing the selection of an account which is to be the subject ofthe use by selecting any one of the account identifiers for the chosenaccount; whereby, the user of the universal credit card can select theaccount to be used to receive, store and display account information byspecifying the account identifier of the account and thereby cause theaccount identifier to be written to the storage unit.
 7. A universalcredit card apparatus as in claim 5 wherein the operator interfacedevice is operable by a user to select an account location in the memorythe selection causing the account information in the selected accountlocation to be displayed on the display device; whereby, the user of theuniversal credit card apparatus can select which account informationstored on the card is to be displayed on the display device and therebycause the account identifier to be written to the storage unit.
 8. Auniversal credit card apparatus as in claim 7 further comprising atleast one account identifier associated with and stored in the memorywith reference to each account stored in the memory for allowing theselection of an account which is to be the subject of the use byreferencing any one of the account identifiers for the chosen account;wherein, the user of the universal credit card can select the accountinformation to be displayed on the display device and written to thestorage unit by specifying the account identifier of the account.